COUNCIL AGENDA
Ordinary Council Meeting
3 February 2021
You are hereby notified that an Ordinary Council Meeting of Liverpool City Council will be held Online on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 commencing at 6.00pm.
Liverpool City Council Meetings are livestreamed onto Council’s website and remain on Council’s website for a period of 12 months. If you have any enquiries, please contact Council and Executive Services on 8711 7584.
Dr Eddie Jackson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Order of Business
PAGE TAB
Acknowledgment of Country and Prayer
Apologies
Condolences
Confirmation of Minutes
Ordinary Council Meeting held on 16 December 2020........................................................... 5
Declarations of Interest
Public Forum
Mayoral Report
NIL
Notices of Motion Of Rescission
NIL
Chief Executive Officer Report
NIL
City Economy and Growth Report
EGROW 01 Transport for NSW upgrade of the Heathcote Road bridge over the Woronora River................................................................................................................ 46......... 1
City Community and Culture Report
NIL
City Corporate Report
CORP 01 Investment Report December 2020............................................................... 52......... 2
CORP 02 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government................................ 61......... 3
CORP 03 Review of Council Policies............................................................................. 78......... 4
CORP 04 Council leading in good governance practices – to be included in Addendum book
City Presentation Report
NIL
City Infrastructure and Environment Report
NIL
Committee Reports
CTTE 01 Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held 1 December 2020 115 5
CTTE 02 Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting of 7 December 2020 122 6
Questions with Notice
QWN 01 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Fast Transit Corridor.......................... 132......... 7
QWN 02 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Section 7/11 Contributions................ 133......... 8
QWN 03 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Drainage Channels Rural/Growth Areas 134 9
QWN 04 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Water Detention Basins in Growth Areas 135 10
QWN 05 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Developer Road Construction in Growth Areas 136 11
QWN 06 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Kerb Gutter and Roads Fronting Council Owned Land in Growth Areas...................................................................... 137....... 12
QWN 07 Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Council Meetings............................... 138....... 13
Presentations by Councillors
Notices of Motion
NOM 01 Aerotropolis Acquisition Scheme.................................................................. 139....... 14
NOM 02 Community Gardens Policy and Strategy.................................................... 141....... 15
Council in Closed Session
The following items are listed for consideration by Council in Closed Session with the public excluded, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 as listed below:
CONF 01 Fire and Rescue NSW Referrals
Reason: Item CONF 01 is confidential pursuant to the provisions of s10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act because it contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.
CONF 02 Legal Affairs Report - 1 October 2020 - 31 December 2020
Reason: Item CONF 02 is confidential pursuant to the provisions of s10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act because it contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.
CONF 03 Courtside Cafe - Lot 702 DP 1056246, Bigge Street, Liverpool
Reason: Item CONF 03 is confidential pursuant to the provisions of s10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act because it contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Close
MINUTES OF THE Ordinary Meeting
HELD ON 16 December 2020
PRESENT VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING:
Mayor Wendy Waller
Councillor Ayyad
Councillor Balloot
Councillor Hadchiti
Councillor Hadid
Councillor Hagarty
Councillor Harle
Councillor Kaliyanda
Councillor Karnib
Councillor Rhodes
Councillor Shelton
Dr Eddie Jackson, Chief Executive Officer
Mr George Hampouris, Acting Director City Corporate
Ms Tina Bono, Acting Director City Community and Culture
Mr David Smith, Acting Director City Economy and Growth
Mr Peter Patterson, Director City Presentation
Mr Raj Autar, Director City Infrastructure and Environment
Mr John Morgan, Director Property and Commercial and Development
Mr Vishwa Nadan, Chief Financial Officer
Mr Thomas Wheeler, Heritage Officer
Mr George Georgakis, Manager Council and Executive Services
Ms Susan Ranieri, Coordinator Council and Executive Services (minutes)
The meeting commenced at 6.00pm.
and Affirmation
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STATEMENT REGARDING WEBCASTING OF MEETING |
The Mayor reminded everyone that in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice the meeting is being livestreamed. |
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY, PRAYER OF COUNCIL AND AFFIRMATION TO BE READ BY |
The prayer of the Council was read by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Eddie Jackson.
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APOLOGIES
Nil.
CONDOLENCES
Nil.
Confirmation of Minutes
Motion: Moved: Clr Shelton Seconded: Clr Hagarty
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That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 25 November 2020 be confirmed as a true record of that meeting subject to the following amendment:
Declarations of Interest – Item CONF 03 (as shown on page 13 of the 16 December 2020 Council Agenda) to correct Clr Hagarty to “Clr Hadchiti personally knows one of the nominees.” On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. |
Declarations of Interest
Clr Shelton declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following item:
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Shelton has had business dealings in the past with one of the parties involved and also knows several of the individuals.
Clr Shelton remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of this item.
Clr Rhodes declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following item:
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Rhodes knows of people in the course of community engagements who have been nominated for that committee.
Clr Rhodes remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of this item.
Clr Hadchiti declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following items:
COM 02: Macarthur FC A-League Sponsorship.
Reason: Clr Hadchiti is a foundation member of the club.
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Hadchiti knows some of the nominees in his capacity as a Councillor.
Clr Hadchiti remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of these items.
Clr Hagarty declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following items:
COM 02: Macarthur FC A-League Sponsorship.
Reason: Clr Hagarty is a foundation member of the club.
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Hagarty knows some of the nominees in his capacity as a Councillor.
Clr Hagarty remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of these items.
Clr Kaliyanda declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following item:
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Kaliyanda serves on a board with one of the community representatives.
Clr Kaliyanda remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of this item.
Clr Balloot declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest in the following item:
CONF 02: Tourism and CBD Committee – New Community Representatives.
Reason: Clr Balloot knows some of the nominees in his capacity as a Councillor.
Clr Balloot remained in the virtual meeting for the duration of this item.
Clr Shelton declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest, during discussion on the following item:
CONF 07: Interim Heritage Order - 122 Atkinson Street, Liverpool
Reason: Clr Shelton is a member of the Liverpool and District Historical Society.
Clr Hagarty declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest, during discussion on the following item:
CONF 07: Interim Heritage Order - 122 Atkinson Street, Liverpool
Reason: Clr Hagarty is a member of the Liverpool and District Historical Society.
Clr Kaliyanda declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant interest, during discussion on the following item:
CONF 07: Interim Heritage Order - 122 Atkinson Street, Liverpool
Reason: Clr Kaliyanda is a member of the Liverpool and District Historical Society.
Public Forum
Presentation – items not on agenda
Nil.
Representation – items on agenda
Nil.
MAYORAL MINUTE
Mayoral Minute
Nil.
City Economy and Growth Report
ITEM NO: EGROW 01
FILE NO: 292594.2020
SUBJECT: Draft Urban Cat Management Plan
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda
That Council:
1. Endorse the draft Urban Cat Management Plan and Action Plan, in principle, for further consultation and advice from the Companion Animals Advisory Committee; and
2. Receive a further report on the adoption of the Urban Cat Management Plan and Action Plan following consultation with the Companion Animals Advisory Committee incorporating any recommended changes.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. |
ITEM NO: EGROW 02
FILE NO: 314965.2020
SUBJECT: Enforcement Policy Review
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council receive and note the report and refers the Standard to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) to address risk and processes and report back to June Council Meeting to better enable Councillor assessment of the effectiveness of the Enforcement Standard by June 2021.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Clr Shelton asked that his name be recorded as having voted against the motion.
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City Community and Culture Report
ITEM NO: COM 01
FILE NO: 302449.2020
SUBJECT: Endorsement of membership to the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee 2020 - 2022
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Kaliyanda Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council endorses the membership applications from agencies listed below as members of the Liverpool Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee for the period 2020 – 2022: · Liverpool City Police Area Command; · Scott Street Clinic; · MTC Australia; · Hume Community Housing Association; · Department of Communities and Justice; · PCYC Liverpool; · Liverpool Fairfield Suicide Prevention Network, Lifeline Macarthur; · South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Drug Health Services; · South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Domestic Violence Services; · South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Trauma Department; · Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections; · University of Wollongong; and · Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC).
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: COM 02
FILE NO: 316491.2020
SUBJECT: Macarthur FC A-League Sponsorship
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Ayyad Seconded: Clr Hadchiti
That:
1. Council place option 3 package for sponsorship of $25,000 ex GST to Macarthur Football Club (as shown on pages 105 and 110 of the Agenda) on public exhibition for 28 days; and
2. The sponsorship package be finalised subject to a letter of support from Macarthur FC for a stadium (that includes playing games) in the Liverpool LGA.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.
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City Corporate Report
ITEM NO: CORP 01
FILE NO: 324061.2020
SUBJECT: Conflict of Interest Policy
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Shelton Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council notes this report and adopts the updated Conflict of Interest Policy.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CORP 02
FILE NO: 328216.2020
SUBJECT: Investment Report November 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Shelton Seconded: Clr Rhodes
That Council receives and note this report.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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City Infrastructure and Environment Report
ITEM NO: INF 01
FILE NO: 314649.2020
SUBJECT: Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Hagarty Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda
That Council approves the projects listed in Attachment 1 to be included for funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and included in Council’s 2020/21 and 2021/22 Capital Works Program.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: INF 02
FILE NO: 325778.2020
SUBJECT: Clean Air for Liverpool
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Harle
That:
3. Council prepare a report on the costings and possibility of monitoring air quality changes at all major traffic routes through Liverpool in an ongoing air monitoring program.
Foreshadowed motion: Moved: Clr Hagarty Seconded: Clr Balloot That Council receives and notes this report. On being put to the meeting the Motion (moved by Clr Rhodes) was declared LOST and the Foreshadowed motion (moved by Clr Hagarty) then became the motion and on being put to the meeting was declared CARRIED. |
Committee Reports
ITEM NO: CTTE 01
FILE NO: 310819.2020
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Environment Advisory Committee Meeting held on 19 October 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council:
2. Receive a report from Council staff on the issue of the contributions gap funding, after referring it to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), Strategic Panel and the Contributions Steering Committee for Councillor advice;
3. Defer decisions on supporting the Wild Deer Management Program until it can be confirmed how many deer are in the Liverpool LGA and refer it back to the Environment Advisory Committee (EAC) for further discussion; and
4. Receives and notes the Minutes of the Environment Advisory Committee Meeting held 19 October 2020.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CTTE 02
FILE NO: 313692.2020
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Liverpool Youth Council Meeting held Tuesday 10 November 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Hadid Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Liverpool Youth Council Meeting held on Tuesday 10 November 2020.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CTTE 03
FILE NO: 320117.2020
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Liverpool Pedestrian, Active Transport and Traffic Committee meeting held on 18 November 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Hadchiti Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council:
1. Adopts the recommendations of the Committee (to items 1-11 as shown below); and
2. Direct the CEO, after consulting with the committee, to prepare a plan for a treatment to the round-a-bout located at Brickmakers Drive, Christiansen Boulevard and Greenview Drive, Georges Fair which ensures a safer crossing route for pedestrians.
Recommendations of the Committee:
Item 1 - Stroud Avenue, Warwick Farm – Request for Parking Restrictions
· Approves the proposed 4P, 7am-6pm MON-FRI, 8am-1pm SAT, Loading Zones and No Stopping restrictions along Stroud Avenue and National Street, Warwick Farm as shown in the revised Attachment in the minutes.
· Advise all stakeholders of Council’s decision.
Item 2 - Strzlecki Drive and Schoeffel Grove – Proposed Traffic Facilities
· Approve in principle the proposed pedestrian refuge at the intersection of Strzlecki Drive and Schoeffel Grove as well as minor intersection treatments at Strzlecki Drive and Singleton Street and Strzlecki Drive and Rosedale Circuit intersections.
· Detailed design of these facilities be prepared and submitted for further consideration at the February meeting.
Item 3 - 60-66 Gurner Avenue, Austral – Proposed Signs & Linemarking Scheme
· Approves proposed signs and linemarking scheme as shown in the revised Attachment in the minutes.
Item 4 - 200 Eighth Avenue, Austral - Proposed Traffic Facilities
· Approves the proposed mountable roundabout at the intersection of Road no.4 and Broadacre Street and associated signs and linemarking scheme. · Detailed design of the roundabout including swept path analysis, tree planting and associated signs and linemarking to be submitted to TfNSW for endorsement prior to construction.
Item 5 - 30 - 50 Tenth Avenue Austral – Proposed Signs & Linemarking Scheme
· Approves the proposed signs and linemarking scheme.
Item 6 - Passendale Road and Costello Lane, Edmondson Park – Proposed Signs and Linemarking Scheme
· Approves the proposed signs and linemarking scheme for the interim and alternate road layout for the extension of Passendale Road and Costello Lane.
Item 7 - 185 Edmondson Avenue, Austral – Proposed Signs and Linemarking Scheme
· Approves the proposed signs and linemarking scheme for sections of Pear Street (north-south road) off Ninth Avenue and Loop Road off the new north-south road.
Item 8 - Brighton Lakes Development, Moorebank – Linemarking Scheme
· Approves the ‘BB” and C3 Yellow Edge-linemarking in Brighton Lakes Subdivision, Moorebank.
Item 9 - Wattle Grove Shopping Centre – Proposed Signs and Linemarking Scheme
· Approves the installation of the directional sign for Wattle Grove Shopping Centre near the Heathcote Road and Bardia Parade intersection.
Item 10 - Items approved under delegated authority
· That Council notes the Delegated Authority applications approved by the NSW Police Force and TfNSW representatives over the two-month period 24 September 2020 and 18 November 2020.
Item 11 - Dates for the 2021 Committee Meetings
· That Council endorse the following scheduled meeting dates for 2021 of the Liverpool Pedestrian, Active Transport and Traffic Committee and included the dates in the corporate calendar for 2021.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. |
ITEM NO: CTTE 04
FILE NO: 320526.2020
SUBJECT: Minutes of Strategic Panel Meeting held on 9 November 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Kaliyanda Seconded: Clr Karnib
That Council receive and note the Minutes of the Strategic Panel Meeting held on 9 November 2020.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CTTE 05
FILE NO: 322508.2020
SUBJECT: Minutes of Budget Review Panel 17 November 2020
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Hadid Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council adopts the minutes of the Budget Review Panel meeting held on 17 November 2020.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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Questions with Notice
ITEM NO: QWN 01
FILE NO: 313472.2020
SUBJECT: Question with Notice - Clr Ayyad - Civic Place
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How many people were in favour of Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?
How many people were against Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?
What does that equate to in percentages?
“A Facebook post with factual errors about Liverpool Civic Place was posted (25 June).”
Please answer the following questions: - What was said in that Facebook post? - What are the ‘factual errors’ contained in that post? - Who posted it? - Please provide a copy of that post.
Response
How many people were in favour of Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?
61 survey respondents
How many people were against Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?
188 survey respondents
What does that equate to in percentages?
24.5 per cent in favour 75.5 per cent against
“A Facebook post with factual errors about Liverpool Civic Place was posted (25 June).”
What are the ‘factual errors’ contained in that post?
The post suggested and portrayed a misconception that Council was not managing the project in a prudent manner, resulting in a budget blowout and delay in completion.
Responses to the factual errors are as set out below:
The increase in the cost of project is due to:
· Liverpool Civic Place (LCP) has evolved into a larger project on a larger site since 2016. It will have the biggest library in South West Sydney, which is almost twice the size of that initially proposed. The community Civic Plaza at LCP is almost three times the size of the original public plaza. The new LCP office plans will accommodate Liverpool City Council, as the major tenant, and now will also include state-of-the-art childcare facilities.
Community Parking provision:
· There will be provision for at least 150 public/community car parking spaces at LCP. Potentially an additional 150 public/community car parking spaces could be utilised after hours and on weekends to further invigorate businesses in the southern end of Liverpool’s CBD.
The delay in the project was due to: · NSW Government approval for rezoning - Local Environment Plan 2008 Amendment 52. This delayed the project by at least two years;
· The LCP Early Works DA has been approved, with the LCP Master Plan DA determination received in July 2020 and the Council Works DA expected in the first half of 2021.
Roads and Parks impact:
The project will be funded by a combination of NSW Treasury Corporation (a NSW Government agency) and commercial loans. The loan will be repaid in 20 and 25 years, mainly from commercial rent income from Council properties. At the end of the project, ratepayers will have a community asset worth considerably more than the $195 million capital cost. There will be no impact on core community services.
Who posted it?
Mr. Ned Mannoun
Please provide a copy of that post.
As attached. |
ITEM NO: QWN 02
FILE NO: 313507.2020
SUBJECT: Question with Notice - Clr Kaliyanda - Liverpool Bike Plan: Implementation Status
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Please address the following:
1. What is the current status of the Liverpool Bike Plan 2018-2023? What measures or aspects of the Bike Plan have been implemented to date?
2. What impact has COVID-19 had on the usage of the existing bike network/infrastructure?
3. How have we engaged with the State or Federal Governments to acquire available data in relation to this?
4. A core element of the Bike Plan was the development and implementation of wayfinding signage in relation to the bike paths and infrastructure. What is the status of the implementation of this? What discussions have taken place with other organisations, i.e. Western Sydney Parklands, in relation to this?
5. How has Council sought partnerships and worked with other organisations in order to address this issue?
Response
1. What is the current status of the Liverpool Bike Plan 2018-2023? What measures or aspects of the Bike Plan have been implemented to date?
The Liverpool Bike Plan 2018-2023 (the Bike Plan) is a high-level planning document that outlines the provision of bicycle-related infrastructure within the LGA. In this regard, it provides strategic direction and a plan of action for the provision of cycleways, bicycle facilities and the promotion of cycling within Liverpool.
The Bike Plan is an active document that has been informing Council’s priority program for the construction and expansion of the cycling network within Liverpool. While the Bike Plan identifies a range of elements, Council’s priority has been: · provision of missing cycleway links along the existing regional and strategic routes; · provision of new cycleways along the identified strategic routes to continue to expand the regional network and to improve connectivity between the key urban centres; and · associated signage and pavement markings.
Since the commencement of this Bike Plan, Council has progressively constructed around 5km of new cycleways with a further 2.5km planned for the current program year, as shown below.
2. What impact has COVID-19 had on the usage of the existing bike infrastructure?
Transport Findings, an interdisciplinary journal sponsored by several Sydney universities, recently released findings of a research into cycling in Sydney during COVID-19 social distancing and lockdown restrictions. The research, which was conducted by the Faculty of Built Environment of the University of New South Wales, shows a general increase in the uptake of urban cycling during the COVID pandemic. Some of the findings from the survey that supported the research found that: · more cyclists were observed than usual. · lower traffic volumes positively influenced cycling due to improved safety. · more families and children were cycling for recreation and exercise.
Please refer to the full article (attached): Lock, Oliver. 2020. “Cycling Behavior Changes as a Result of COVID-19: A Survey of users in Sydney”. Transport Findings, June.
3. How have we engaged with the State or Federal Governments to acquire available data in relation to this?
The most current data is available in the attached article referenced above.
4. A core element of the Bike Plan was the development and implementation of wayfinding signage in relation to the bike paths and infrastructure. What is the status of the implementation of this? What discussions have taken place with other organisations, i.e. Western Sydney Parklands, in relation to this?
Council’s key priority for implementation has been the provision of cycleways and associated missing links along the strategic routes to improve access and connectivity across the regional network. In this regard, Council has been constructing 1.5km of cycleway annually for the last five years at an average annual cost of $1M.
Council intends to implement wayfinding signage progressively from the next program year and will be installing wayfinding signage on strategic routes at the focal points identified in the Bike Plan. Key destinations such as the Western Sydney Parklands will also be considered in the wayfinding strategy.
5. How has Council sought partnerships and worked with other organisations in order to address this issue?
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) is Council’s key partner in the provision and management of active transport infrastructure. TfNSW has continued to provide funding assistance to enable Council to meet the objectives of the Bike Plan. Council was recently successful in securing grant funds of $1.7M from TfNSW, which will enable the construction of 2.5 km of cycleways this year.
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ITEM NO: QWN 03
FILE NO: 313622.2020
SUBJECT: Question with Notice - Clr Kaliyanda - Green Star Rating Scheme Changes
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Please address the following:
1. Given the significant changes to the benchmarks used to determine Green Star Ratings, how do current and future council buildings perform against the new benchmarks?
2. What impact will this have on other significant developments in the Liverpool LGA?
3. How will this impact the assessment process of such developments, especially when they are considered by the Design Excellence Panel (DEP)?
4. What other impacts will the changes to these benchmarks have in the Liverpool LGA? Response 1. Given the significant changes to the benchmarks used to determine Green Star Ratings, how do current and future council buildings perform against the new benchmarks?
The Green Star rating system assesses the sustainability of buildings at various stages of their life cycle. This includes the design stage, post-construction stage and interior fit-outs. The performance rating tool is based on a scale from 1 to 6 Green Stars, with 1 being minimum practice and 6 being world leadership.
The extent of impacts of the benchmark changes depends on the level of Green Star rating being pursued. The highest rating (6 Star World Leadership) requires zero operational carbon emissions. A 5 Star Australian Excellence Green Star building will need to be net zero ready, so that by 2023 they will source their electricity from 100 per cent renewables. A 4 Star Green Star building will need to have 10 per cent less upfront and operational emissions than current NCC requirements.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has revised the benchmarks used by the Green Star rating tool to set clearer expectations for buildings, ensuring lower carbon emissions, enhancement of ecological values of the site, reduction of environmental impacts and reduction of operational waste. The key changes made to the benchmarks focus on the reduction of energy and emissions.
Some of Council's existing buildings would not meet the revised Green Star benchmarks. However, there is no requirement to reassess existing buildings against the new benchmarks. It may be a voluntary consideration during future major refurbishments of the buildings. The assessment of future Council buildings against the new benchmarks is already underway. The performance of the Liverpool Civic Place has been assessed against the new benchmarks utilising the revised Green Star tool. The Civic Building is designed to achieve a 5 Star certification.
2. What impact will this have on other significant developments in the Liverpool LGA?
Increased measures could be considered by developers if they would like to achieve and maintain Green Star Certification. Given that Green Star is a voluntary rating system, there is no legal or planning requirements to achieve this certification.
Energy requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC) have been mandatory since mid-2020. The upgraded Green Star rating tool considers the NCC energy requirements. These requirements aim to improve the environmental and sustainability performance of buildings and will provide a further avenue for future development to incorporate sustainability mechanisms into the design of their buildings.
It is important to note that the NCC energy requirements primarily relate to Class 3-9 buildings under the NCC, which include but are not limited to buildings such as hotels/motels, schools, office buildings, shopping centres, warehouses, industrial buildings and hospitals.
3. How will this impact the assessment process of such developments, especially when they are considered by the Design Excellence Panel (DEP)?
All significant developments that are required to demonstrate compliance with the NCC energy requirements will be accompanied by a technical report with recommendations to be incorporated into the development. These reports will be reviewed and if deemed satisfactory will form part of conditions of consent.
The SEPP 65 Design Quality Test is the framework used by Council's Design Excellence Panel to assess proposed developments that are being considered by the panel. Sustainability is one of the measures used in the test to assess the quality of the proposed development. Council will continue to encourage the Design Excellence Panel to adopt best practice sustainability measures, including promoting the updated Green Star rating certification for new buildings.
4. What other impacts will the changes to these benchmarks have in the Liverpool LGA?
Voluntary Green Star certification under the new benchmarks enhances the value of a building through increased resilience to climate change and natural disasters, lower emissions, and reduced energy and operational costs. The new benchmarks will also drive design innovation and supply chain transformation. |
ITEM NO: EGROW 03 - Addendum book
FILE NO: 321586.2020
SUBJECT: Planning proposal request to rezone land and amend development standards at Lot 6 Newbridge Road, Moorebank
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Hadchiti
That Council:
6. Consider options for the design and construction of a fully accessible shared path along the Georges River.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.
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ITEM NO: EGROW 04 - Addendum book
FILE NO: 328465.2020
SUBJECT: Planning proposal request to rezone land and amend development standards at 124 Newbridge Road, Moorebank
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Hadchiti Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council:
3. Delegate authority to the CEO to finalise the preparation of a planning proposal and refer to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for a Gateway determination on satisfactory completion of all satisfaction completion of all outstanding issues.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.
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ITEM NO: CORP 03 - Addendum book
FILE NO: 328856.2020
SUBJECT: Annual Financial Reports 2019/20
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Shelton Seconded: Clr Hagarty
That Council receives and adopts this report.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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Presentations by Councillors
Nil.
Notices of Motion
ITEM NO: NOM 01
FILE NO: 332226.2020
SUBJECT: Local and Regional Planning Panels
Background
Locals must have a say in the kind of development that occurs in their communities.
Unfortunately this opportunity has been consistently eroded, especially over the last 4 years.
The expansion of exempt and complying development and stripping Councillors of their right to determine DAs are two such examples.
The only way for locals to have their say to the actual decision makers is to attend planning panel meetings.
These meetings are all too often held at inconvenient times during the work day.
Local Planning Panel meetings are usually held at 2pm, a time when many residents are either at work or doing the school run.
This only adds to the perception that community voices are being cut out of the planning process.
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NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Hagarty)
That Council direct the CEO to write to both the Local Planning Panel and Sydney Western City Planning Panel requesting panel meetings be held at more appropriate times to allow community feedback.
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Hagarty Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council direct the CEO to write to both the Local Planning Panel and Sydney Western City Planning Panel requesting panel meetings be held at more appropriate times to allow community feedback.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. |
ITEM NO: NOM 02
FILE NO: 332243.2020
SUBJECT: Urban Heat Planning
Background
Urban heat is a significant and growing issue for Western Sydney. The WSROC Urban Heat toolkit (attached) has been developed to help local councils strengthen local planning provisions to reduce the impacts of heat.
WSROC recently released a final draft of the Urban Heat Planning Kit for Council’s consideration and input.
Western Sydney is experiencing an increasing number of hot, very hot and extremely hot days and heatwaves, and yet we are building new dwellings and communities that fail to provide adequate mitigation measures that address these rising temperatures.
In the Western City we are failing to provide communities that are in fact as LIVEABLE under the new and emerging climatic conditions. We are still delivering communities that were suitable before the rising temperatures and or are geographically located in areas closer to the central city that benefit through established infrastructure.
The Western City - Liverpool - is more so affected by the rising temperatures than any other areas because we do not have the benefit of sea breezes and have to contend with both hot Westerlies and blustering Southerlies.
State planning instruments do not account for possible variants that are a result of geographical location and or lack of infrastructure which makes a mockery of their one size fits all planning instruments and deprives our citizens of as LIVEABLE communities as should be being provided.
The workshops proposed in this motion would deliver the opportunity for Liverpool Council to consolidate into precise documentation what Council has already implemented or plans to implement in the way of heat and cooling mitigation measures, together with the individual past motions by Councillors that have addressed certain aspects of mitigation, as well as provide the opportunity to examine what other Councils have done and provide the platform for all Councillor’s input to address their individual ideas through which heat and cooling mitigation can be included in Council’s DCP and LEP planning documents.
Further to the workshops, we as Councillors understand that all Councils are hobbled by what they can achieve individually through their LEP and DCP’s. There is the need as proposed in this motion for a joint effort by all Councils in the Western City to call on the DPIE to engage with local government in the Western City and carry out a much needed revision of the State Government BASIX.
We as a Council have an obligation to our citizens to fight against the one size fits all State Planning regulations. We need to have our geographical location and prevailing weather conditions, lack of transportation infrastructure together with the rising temperatures recognised and considered by the DPIE. There is a need for these specific and current conditions to be addressed in BASIX, SSEP and Controlled Developments planning instruments that will enable the citizens of Liverpool to live in an environment that meets their needs and gives them a quality of life in a city that is truly LIVEABLE.
I ask all Councillors to vote in favour of this motion.
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NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Rhodes) That Council: 1. Hold Councillor workshops in April 2021 to discuss the WSROC Urban Heat Planning Kit and address: a) The current status of provision of Urban Heat Planning in Liverpool Councils DCP and LEP; b) The further integration of Urban Heat Planning mitigation into Liverpool Council’s LEP and DCP and BASIX; c) Other possible ways to introduce new initiatives that will encourage more resilient and sustainable communities in the Liverpool LGA; and d) Examine how other Councils have already addressed the same issues.
2. Write to WSROC expressing our support for their initiative for all Councils in the Western City to engage in a joint submission to DPIE calling for the revision of the BASIX; and
3. Write to all Western City Council’s requesting their support in the joint submission to DPIE.
|
|
COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Rhodes Seconded: Clr Harle That Council: 1. Hold Councillor workshops in April 2021 to discuss the WSROC Urban Heat Planning Kit and address: a) The current status of provision of Urban Heat Planning in Liverpool Councils DCP and LEP; b) The further integration of Urban Heat Planning mitigation into Liverpool Council’s LEP and DCP and BASIX;
c) Other possible ways to introduce new initiatives that will encourage more resilient and sustainable communities in the Liverpool LGA; and d) Examine how other Councils have already addressed the same issues.
2. Write to WSROC expressing our support for their initiative for all Councils in the Western City to engage in a joint submission to DPIE calling for the revision of the BASIX; and
3. Write to all Western City Council’s requesting their support in the joint submission to DPIE.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
RECESS Mayor Waller called a recess at 7.43pm.
RESUMPTION OF MEETING Mayor Waller resumed the meeting at 7.53pm in open session. |
Confidential Items
ITEM NO: CONF 01
FILE NO: 317496.2020
SUBJECT: Acquisition of Pt Lot 972 in DP 1247475 being Part of 45 Seventh Avenue, Austral for open space purposes
|
COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Shelton Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council:
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CONF 02
FILE NO: 318504.2020
SUBJECT: Tourism and CBD Committee - New Community Representatives
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Hadid Seconded: Clr Harle
That Council:
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CONF 03
FILE NO: 320996.2020
SUBJECT: Acquisition of Lot 700 in DP 1244341 Rainbows Way, Leppington for drainage purposes
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COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Harle Seconded: Clr Hadid
That Council:
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
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ITEM NO: CONF 04
FILE NO: 308725.2020
SUBJECT: Public Sector Working Hubs
|
COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Harle Seconded: Clr Rhodes
That Council receives and notes this report and notes that a further update on this initiative will be provided by the June 2021 Council meeting.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. |
ITEM NO: CONF 05
FILE NO: 319849.2020
SUBJECT: Liverpool City Centre Parking Meters
|
COUNCIL DECISION
Motion: Moved: Clr Harle Seconded: Clr Rhodes
That Council exercises section 55 (3) (i) of the Local Government Act 1993 for a period of no more than 6 months and in doing so:
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Waller advised that Council would now move into Closed Session to deal with items CONF 06 – Liverpool Civic Place – Project Update and Revised Funding Options and CONF 07 – Interim Heritage Order – 122 Atkinson Street, Liverpool.
CONF 06 is confidential pursuant to the provisions of S10(A)(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 because it contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
CONF 07 is confidential pursuant to the provisions of S10(A)(2)(a)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 because it contains personal matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors); AND matters concerning the personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer.
Council moved into Closed Session at 8.04pm.
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ITEM NO: CONF 06
FILE NO: 321467.2020
SUBJECT: Liverpool Civic Place - Project Update and Revised Funding Options
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COUNCIL DECISION presented justifying a child care centre in Civic Place the meeting the motion was declared LOST. Motion: Moved: Clr Hagarty Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda
That Council:
2. Delegate authority to the Mayor and CEO to furnish and complete any required documentation to NSW Treasury Corporation that will facilitate final approval; 3. Delegate authority to the CEO to invite Expressions Of Interest from commercial financial institutions to lend approximately 40% of the project costs; 4. Delegate authority to the Mayor and CEO to complete, submit, and execute any required loan application documentations to secure borrowing from the preferred commercial financial institution; 5. Authorise use of Council’s “Common Seal” on loan documents, if required; 6. Authorise the CEO to engage an appropriately qualified accounting firm to undertake a comprehensive review of the PDA to identify all financial implications; 7. Endorses the inclusion of Co-Living accommodation as part of the Developer Works for Liverpool Civic Place; 8. Delegate authority to the CEO to negotiate and execute any changes to the Project Development Agreement with Built Holdings Pty Ltd, subject to legal advice, and direct the CEO to report any such amendments to the Strategic Panel, once agreed; 9. Keeps confidential the attachment supplied under separate cover pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 as this information would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; and
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.
Clrs Hadchiti and Ayyad asked that they be recorded as voting against the motion. |
ITEM NO: CONF 07
FILE NO: 321627.2020
SUBJECT: Interim Heritage Order - 122 Atkinson Street, Liverpool
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COUNCIL DECISION Motion: Moved: Clr Hadchiti Seconded: Clr Rhodes
That Council defer a decision on listing this property until a further report is presented on other means to ensure the current landowner does not endure any hardship by Council’s decision.
On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED. Mayor Waller reopened the meeting at 9.13pm and read the resolutions made in Closed Session for items CONF 06 and CONF 07.
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THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.17pm.
<Signature>
Name: Wendy Waller
Title: Mayor
Date: 3 February 2021
I have authorised a stamp bearing my signature to be affixed to the pages of the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 16 December 2020. I confirm that Council has adopted these Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
City Economy and Growth Report
|
EGROW 01 |
Transport for NSW upgrade of the Heathcote Road bridge over the Woronora River |
|
Strategic Direction |
Creating Connection Provide community facilities which are accessible to all |
|
File Ref |
009183.2021 |
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Report By |
Charles Wiafe - Acting Manager Planning & Transport Strategy |
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Approved By |
David Smith - Acting Director City Economy and Growth |
Executive Summary
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is proposing to widen the existing bridge over the Woronora River along Heathcote Road. The bridge is located halfway between New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights and Princes Highway, Heathcote within the Sutherland Shire.
The existing bridge was constructed during World War II and has narrow traffic lanes and steep curved approaches that do not meet current road design standards and provide little room for motorist error, increasing the risk of road crashes.
The bridge has developed a high and unacceptable crash history, and to address this concern, the then Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight announced in 2018 a commitment to improve road safety along the bridge.
Since then, TfNSW has developed improvement options and secured funding of $73 million for bridge widening. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) of the project has been prepared and is currently on public exhibition until 21 February 2021.
Liverpool City Council will be making a submission on this project which will concentrate on the benefits of the project regarding road safety and traffic flow between the Liverpool and Sutherland LGAs. Sutherland Shire Council is also making a submission and has requested that Liverpool City Council (via a Council resolution) supports their representations to the NSW Government for bridge duplication rather than bridge widening.
It is recommended that Council supports this representation from Sutherland Shire Council as the bridge duplication would provide increased road safety, can form part of a future four-lane road along Heathcote Road and limits the time that the road would have to be closed during construction compared to the proposed widening.
That Council:
1. Notes that a submission will be prepared on the Review of Environmental Factors for the upgrade of the Heathcote Road Bridge over the Woronora River;
2. Supports Sutherland Shire Council’s position that the project should involve bridge duplication rather than bridge widening; and
3. Advises Sutherland Shire Council of Council’s resolution.
REPORT
TfNSW is proposing to widen the existing bridge over the Woronora River along Heathcote Road. Heathcote Road is a north-south arterial road providing a link between the Liverpool Local Government Area (LGA) and Sutherland Shire.
The bridge is located halfway between New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights and Princes Highway in Heathcote within the Sutherland Shire.
A review of environmental factors for the bridge upgrade has been prepared and is currently on public exhibition until 21 February 2021 (https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/heathcote-road-bridge).
Key features of the project include:
· Widening of the bridge by about 1.4m on each side to provide one 3.5-metre-wide lane in each direction with 1.2m shoulders
· Widening and adjustments to the northern and southern bridge approaches, about 250 metres either side of the bridge, to improve the road alignment, increase lane and shoulder widths and reinstate the existing breakdown bays either side of the bridge
· New bored pile retaining walls to support the slope along both bridge approaches for approximately 100m.
· Associated slope stabilisation measures, drainage structures, adjustment to optical fibre conduits, and repair and maintenance to the existing bridge structure.
TfNSW has advised that during construction, the section of Heathcote Road between New Illawarra Road and the Princes Highway would need to be closed for up to six months due to the constraints of the location including the steep terrain of the surrounding area and narrow width of the existing roadway.
Construction is proposed to be carried out 24 hours per day, seven days per week to minimise the duration of full road closures required. As this stage, it is planned that the construction will start later this year and take up to two years to complete, subject to weather.
Background
The Heathcote Road bridge was built during World War II by the military. The bridge has narrow lane widths and steep curved approaches that do not meet current road design standards and provide little room for motorist error, which increases the risk of road crashes.
A crash history for the ten-year period between 2009 and 2019, within a distance of 500 meters of the bridge, indicates that there have been two fatalities and six serious injury crashes. To address this unacceptable crash history, and in response to community concerns, the then Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight announced in 2018 a commitment to improve road safety along the bridge.
As part of TfNSW ‘Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program’, which focuses on short to medium term solutions to improve reliability for road traffic, the section of Heathcote Road located between New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights and Princes Highway in Heathcote is identified as a key pinch point for traffic within southern Sydney.
TfNSW has since secured $73 million for the design and construction of the identified improvement works. The project would improve road safety and performance of the road section.
Options considered
As part of the design investigation, TfNSW identified two options.
· Bridge duplication (single lane each bridge) or Heathcote Road bridge widening, and a baseline ‘do nothing’ option.
· Bridge widening and a baseline ‘do nothing’ option.
The Heathcote Road bridge widening option was selected as the preferred option.
Although the bridge duplication provided slightly greater safety benefits due to the separation of opposing traffic flows, it would result in more substantial environmental impacts as well as a longer and substantially more complex approval, land acquisition and construction duration compared to the Heathcote Road bridge widening option.
Request from Sutherland Shire Council
As indicated above, the project is in the Sutherland Shire Council LGA and Sutherland Shire Council will be making a submission on the project. At a recent Council meeting, Sutherland Shire Council resolved that its submission would request the NSW Government duplicate the Heathcote Road bridge instead of bridge widening.
Sutherland Shire Council has advised that it has written to the Minister for Transport and Roads and the Local Member of Parliament expressing the need for the bridge duplication, however, to date, has been unsuccessful in its representations.
As part of Sutherland Shire Council’s resolution on the subject, Liverpool City Council has been requested to support its representations for the project to involve bridge duplication as Heathcote Road is a key link between the two local government areas and is used by many residents and businesses.
In response to Sutherland Shire Council’s request, Council’s submission, subject to the resolution of Council, will request TfNSW to consider duplication of the Heathcote Road bridge to further increase road safety.
As the project is located outside the Liverpool LGA, Council’s submission will largely concentrate on the benefits of the project on road safety and traffic flow between the Liverpool and Sutherland Shire LGA.
The submission will state that Council supports the project as well as other projects along Heathcote Road including the road widening between Infantry Parade at Holsworthy to The Avenue at Voyager Point and planning for the duplication of Heathcote Road from The Avenue at Voyager Point to its intersection with Princes Highway at Engadine.
In addition, Council will request that TfNSW consider duplication of the Heathcote Road bridge to provide increased road safety and as part of future road widening, to provide a four-lane road.
Council notes that the project would require full road closure of the section of Heathcote Road between New Illawarra Road and the Princes Highway for up to six months during construction. As Heathcote Road is part of key route between Liverpool and Sutherland Shire LGA’s, the closure will have significant impacts on motorists who travel between these areas.
As such, Council will request that TfNSW carries out appropriate community consultation in Liverpool and Sutherland Shire prior to the full road closure. A construction traffic management plan is to be prepared and a copy to be provided to the two Councils for comment. The submission will also recommend that koala signs (w5-47) with contact details for wildlife rescue services be installed along Heathcote Road at the locations where koalas are likely to cross.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
Deliver a high-quality local road system including provision and maintenance of infrastructure and management of traffic issues. |
|
Environment |
Support the delivery of a range of transport options. |
Social |
There are no social considerations relating to this report. |
Civic Leadership |
Undertake communication practices with the community and stakeholders across a range of media. |
|
Legislative |
Roads Act |
|
Risk |
The risk is considered to be Low. The risk is considered within Council’s risk appetite. |
ATTACHMENTS
|
1 |
|
|
EGROW 01 |
Transport for NSW upgrade of the Heathcote Road bridge over the Woronora River |
|
Attachment 1 |
Letter from Sutherland Shire Council |
1
Ordinary Meeting 3 February 2021
City Corporate Report
|
CORP 01 |
Investment Report December 2020 |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Seek efficient and innovative methods to manage our resources |
|
File Ref |
347220.2020 |
|
Report By |
John Singh - Accountant - Investments & Treasury Management |
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Approved By |
Vishwa Nadan - Chief Financial Officer |
executive summary
This report details Council’s investment portfolio and its performance for the month ended 31st December 2020:
· Council held investments with a market value of $306 million;
· The economic environment globally, including Australia, suffered significantly from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The market value of Council’s investment in Floating Rate Notes (FRN) has since improved;
· RBA has decided to lower the cash rate to 0.10% with an indication to keep it at this level for next three years. This will have significant impact on Council’s interest earnings;
· The portfolio yield was 122 basis points above the AusBond Bank Bill index;
|
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AusBond Bank Bill Index (BBI) |
|
Benchmark |
0.37% |
|
Portfolio yield |
1.59% |
|
Performance above benchmarks |
1.22% |
· Return on investment was $1.1m lower than the original budget. This does not take into account $1.2m capital gain on FRN’s. Assuming these FRN’s hold value to 30 June 2021, the budget shortfall will be sufficiently balanced.
· Council’s investment advisor, Amicus Advisory, has completed its review of Emerald Mortgage Backed Securities and recommends Council continue to hold its investments in the “Class A” and both “Class C” securities given current poor market pricing. MBS Securities are now not rated;
· Council’s investments and reporting obligations fully complied with the requirements of section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993 and clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005;
· Council’s portfolio also fully complied with limits set out in its current Investment Policy; and
· Council is committed to NSW TCorp’s balanced investment framework and held 19.84% of its portfolio in ADI’s rated BBB and below.
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That Council receives and notes this report. |
REPORT
Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 requires that the Responsible Accounting Officer must provide Council with a written report setting out details of all money that Council has invested under section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Council’s Portfolio
At 31st December 2020, Council held investments with a market value of $306 million. Council’s investment register detailing all its investments is provided as an attachment to this report. In summary, Council’s portfolio consisted of investments in:
The ratio of market value compared to face value of various debt securities is shown in the table below.
|
Asset Class |
Dec -20 |
Jun-20 |
|
Senior Debts (FRN's ,TCD's & FRB)* |
101.53% |
100.75% |
|
MBS (Reverse Mortgage Backed Securities) |
68.36% |
62.11% |
|
T-Corp Unit Trusts |
103.13% |
102.81% |
*Definition of terms
· Transferrable Certificate of Deposit (TCD) - security issued with the same characteristics as a Term Deposit however it can be sold back (transferred) into the market prior to maturity. A floating TCD pays a coupon linked to a variable benchmark (90 days BBSW).
· Fixed Rate Bond (FRB) – returns Fixed Coupon (interest) Rate and is tradeable before maturity.
· Floating Rate Note (FRN) - returns an aggregate of a fixed margin and a variable benchmark (usually BBSW).
The economic environment globally, including Australia, suffered significantly from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The market value of Council’s investment in FRN’s has since improved. Council has sufficient funds in its current account and has no plans at this stage to sell off any of its FRN’s to meet its short-term cashflow requirements.
Council is fully compliant with the requirements of the Ministerial Investment Order including the grandfathering provisions. The grandfathering provisions state that Council may continue to hold to maturity, redeem or sell investments that comply with previous Ministerial Investment Orders. Any new investments must comply with the most recent Order. Council continues to closely monitor the investments in its portfolio to ensure continued compliance and minimal exposure to risk.
Council is committed to NSW TCorp’s balanced investment framework and held 19.84% of its portfolio in ADI’s rated BBB and below.
Emerald – Mortgaged Backed Securities
Council’s new investment advisor, Amicus Advisory, was asked on appointment to review Council’s investments in “grandfathered” mortgage backed securities. Amicus has completed its review and recommends Council continue to hold its investments in the “Class A” and both “Class C” securities given current poor market pricing. Notwithstanding this recommendation, Amicus has assessed that both “Class C” securities are likely to eventually default. However, Council will continue to receive interest up until default which is likely to be many years away. Fitch Rating Agency has decided to withdraw its rating on mortgage backed securities and as a result, Council investments in these securities are now classed non-rated.
Portfolio Maturity Profile
The table below shows the percentage of funds invested at different durations to maturity.
Market Value by Issuer and Institution Policy limit as per Investment Policy
Overall Portfolio Credit Framework compliance to Investment Policy
Portfolio performance against relevant market benchmark.
Council’s Investment Policy prescribes the AusBond Bank Bill Index (ABBI) as a benchmark to measure return on cash and fixed interest securities. The ABBI represents the average daily yield of a parcel of bank bills. Historically there has been a positive correlation between changes in the cash rate and the resulting impact on the ABBI benchmark.
The portfolio yield to 31st December 2020 exceeded the AusBond Bank Bill index by 122 basis points (1.59% against 0.37%)
Council portfolio continues to perform at above benchmark rates despite ongoing margin contraction and significantly lower market term deposit yields. Comparative yields for the previous months are charted below:
Performance of Portfolio Returns against Budget
Council’s investment income for December 2020 is lower than the original budget by $1.1m. This does not into account $1.2m capital gain on FRN’s. Assuming these FRN’s hold value to 30 June 2021, the budget shortfall will be sufficiently balanced.
Investment Portfolio at a Glance
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Portfolio Performance |
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The portfolio yield to 31st December 2020 exceeded the AusBond Bank Bill index by 122 basis points (1.59% against 0.37%). |
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Annual Income vs. Budget |
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Council’s investment interest income is lower than the original budget by $1.1m as at 31st December 2020 and will be closely monitored. |
Investment Policy Compliance
|
Legislative Requirements |
|
Fully Compliant |
|
Portfolio Credit Rating Limit |
|
Fully Compliant |
|
Institutional Exposure Limits |
|
Fully Compliant |
|
Overall Portfolio Credit Limits |
|
Fully Compliant |
|
Term to Maturity Limits |
|
Fully Compliant |
Economic Outlook – Reserve Bank of Australia
The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate on hold at 0.10 per cent in its meeting on 1st December 2020.The current 0.10 per cent cash rate is at a historically low level and impacts returns on investment.
Certificate of Responsible Accounting Officer
The Chief Financial Officer, as Responsible Accounting Officer, certifies that the investments listed in the attached report have been made in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s Investment Policy at the time of their placement. The previous investments are covered by the grandfathering clauses of the current investment guidelines issued by the Minister for Local Government.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
Council’s investment interest income is lower than the original budget by $1.1m as at 31st December 2020 and will be closely monitored. |
|
Environment |
There are no environmental and sustainability considerations. |
Social |
There are no social and cultural considerations. |
Civic Leadership |
There are no civic leadership and governance considerations. |
|
Legislative |
Council is fully compliant with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 – Investment Order (authorized investments) and with reporting requirements under clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. |
|
Risk |
The capital value and return on investment is subject to market risks. Investment limits prescribed in Council’s policy framework is aimed to mitigate these risks. Market interest is expected to stay at its lowest rate for a long period and will continue to put pressure on Council’s budget. |
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
City Corporate Report
|
CORP 02 |
2021 National General Assembly of Local Government |
|
Strategic Direction |
Generating Opportunity Meet the challenges of Liverpool’s growing population |
|
File Ref |
007720.2021 |
|
Report By |
George Georgakis - Manager Council and Executive Services |
|
Approved By |
George Hampouris - Acting Director City Corporate |
Executive Summary
The 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) is scheduled to be held from Sunday 20 June – Wednesday 23 June 2021. At the time of writing to Councils in November 2020, it was scheduled to be held in Canberra. This may change to a hybrid approach, and if that is the case, the Australian Local Government Association will inform Councils.
That Council:
1. Nominates delegates to attend the 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government; and
2. Determines whether to submit any motions, concerning the theme of “Working Together for our Communities”, for debate at the National General Assembly.
REPORT
The National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) is a key event on the local government calendar. It is convened by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for local Councils across Australia.
The NGA provides a platform for Local Government to address national issues and advocate to the federal government on critical issues facing the sector.
The 2021 NGA is scheduled to be held in Canberra from Sunday 20 June – Wednesday 23 June 2021. This may change to a hybrid or a virtual event and if that is the case, the Australian Local Government Association will inform Councils. The program is being finalised and will be provided to Councillors upon receipt. If the NGA is held in Canberra as planned, registration, accommodation, meals and travel costs will be incurred. Council is entitled to one vote at the NGA, but is not limited to the number of Councillors who can attend. The Mayor is Council’s voting delegate.
The ALGA is calling for motions for the 2021 NGA under the theme of “Working Together for our Communities”. This theme acknowledges the need to come together and, with other partners, including the Federal Government, to deliver for our communities.
To assist Councils to identify motions that address the theme of the NGA, the ALGA has prepared a discussion paper. The NGA Call for Motions discussion paper is attached to this report. Motions can address one or more of the issues identified in the discussion paper.
To be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor of the NGA, motions must meet the following criteria:
1. Be relevant to the work of local government nationally;
2. Be consistent with the themes of the NGA;
3. Complement or build on the policy objectives of your state and territory local government association;
4. Be from a Council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association;
5. Propose a clear action and outcome; and
6. Not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.
All motions require, among other things, a contact officer, a clear national objective, a summary of the key arguments in support of the motion, and endorsement of council. Motions should be lodged online at alga.asn.au no later than 11:59pm on Friday 26 March 2021.
All motions must be adopted by Council. A further report will be prepared for the 24 February 2021 Council meeting should further research be required for any proposed motions.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
If the NGA is to be held in Canberra as planned, the following costs will be incurred per delegate: Registration: $989 per person; Accommodation: Approximately $325 per night; Meals: Approximately $265 for the conference dinners on 21 and 22 June (if they go ahead as planned); and Travel: Via Council vehicle (or reimbursed mileage allowance if using private vehicle). |
|
Environment |
Raise community awareness and support action in relation to environmental issues. Promote an integrated and user friendly public transport service. Support the delivery of a range of transport options. |
Social |
Raise awareness in the community about the available services and facilities. |
Civic Leadership |
Act as an environmental leader in the community. Facilitate the development of community leaders. Encourage the community to engage in Council initiatives and actions. Provide information about Council’s services, roles and decision making processes. Deliver services that are customer focused. Operate a well-developed governance system that demonstrates accountability, transparency and ethical conduct. Actively advocate for federal and state government support, funding and services. |
|
Legislative |
There are no legislative considerations relating to this report. |
|
Risk |
The risk is deemed to be low and is considered within Council’s risk appetite. |
ATTACHMENTS
1. Correspondence from ALGA which includes Call for Motions Discussion Paper
|
1 |
|
|
CORP 02 |
2021 National General Assembly of Local Government |
|
Attachment 1 |
Correspondence from ALGA which includes Call for Motions Discussion Paper |
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
City Corporate Report
|
CORP 03 |
Review of Council Policies |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
008678.2021 |
|
Report By |
George Georgakis - Manager Council and Executive Services |
|
Approved By |
George Hampouris - Acting Director City Corporate |
Executive Summary
The following documents are due for review:
- Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy;
- Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy;
- Strategic Panel Charter; and
- Councillor Briefing Procedure
Council may wish to continue with its current practices and endorse the documents or alternatively make changes. Each document is attached and any suggested changes are outlined in the report.
That Council:
1. Endorses the Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy;
2. Endorses the Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy;
3. Endorses the Strategic Panel Charter with Clauses 4 (Purpose), 5 (Functions), 6 (Outcomes), 7.3 (Support staff) and 7.5 (Other office bearers) to be amended as shown in the Charter attached to the report; and
4. Endorses the Councillor Briefing Procedure with the inclusion of the following Clause:
“The NSW Government has authorised local councils to hold official meetings electronically instead of physically due to the risk to staff, Councillors and members of the community due to the current situation with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In accordance with a Mayoral Direction dated 17 March 2020 (and reported to the 25 March 2020 Council meeting) this has also been extended to Committee meetings and Councillor Briefing Sessions. As such, Clauses 8.4, 12.2 and 13.2 – 13.7 would not apply whilst Councillor Briefing Sessions continue to be held electronically”.
REPORT
The following documents are due to review:
- Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy;
- Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy;
- Strategic Panel Charter; and
- Councillor Briefing Procedure
The documents are attached and any suggested changes are outlined below:
Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy
The Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy was adopted by Council at its meeting on 6 February 2019.
This was after Regulations had been made for induction and other professional development for Mayor and Councillors. The Office of Local Government had prepared guidelines to assist Councils to develop and deliver induction and ongoing professional development activities for their Mayor and Councillors.
The Guidelines recommended that Councils develop and adopt a Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy to guide its induction and professional development activities for the Mayor and Councillors, and provided a model policy. The policy which Council staff prepared incorporated the contents of the model Code and was adopted by Council.
There are no changes recommended to the Policy and it is recommended that Council endorse it.
Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy
The Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy was first adopted by Council on 11 June 2002 and has been amended on a number of occasions since that time with the most recent review on 6 February 2019.
The Policy is again due for review. Council staff have reviewed the Policy and are not recommending any changes. As such, it is recommended that the current Policy be endorsed.
Strategic Panel Charter
The Strategic Panel Charter was first adopted by Council on 23 November 2016. It was last reviewed on 30 August 2017 where it was amended to remove the CEO as a voting member.
Minor amendments are proposed to the Charter relating to Clauses 4 (Purpose), 5 (Functions), 6 (Outcomes), 7.3 (Support staff) and 7.5 (Other office bearers). The changes are highlighted in the Charter which is attached to be report.
Councillor Briefing Procedure
Council originally adopted Councillor Briefing Guidelines on 27 March 2013 and amended them on 27 August 2014. This was again reviewed in 23 November 2016 and 21 November 2018 and Council resolved to continue to hold Councillor Briefing Sessions monthly and in the current format. In November 2018, the document was renamed from “Councillor Briefing Guidelines” to “Councillor Briefing Procedure”.
The only change recommended to the Councillor Briefing Procedure is to include the following Clause relating to the online/virtual meetings which Council has been holding since Covid-19 (and as such, Clauses 8.4, 12.2, 13.2-13.7 would not apply whilst Councillor Briefing Sessions are held electronically):
“The NSW Government has authorised local councils to hold official meetings electronically instead of physically due to the risk to staff, Councillors and members of the community due to the current situation with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In accordance with a Mayoral Direction dated 17 March 2020 (and reported to the 25 March 2020 Council meeting) this has also been extended to Committee meetings and Councillor Briefing Sessions. As such, Clauses 8.4, 12.2 and 13.2 – 13.7 would not apply whilst Councillor Briefing Sessions continue to be held electronically”.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
There are no economic and financial considerations. |
|
Environment |
There are no environmental and sustainability considerations. |
Social |
There are no social and cultural considerations. |
Civic Leadership |
Provide information about Council’s services, roles and decision making processes. Operate a well-developed governance system that demonstrates accountability, transparency and ethical conduct |
|
Legislative |
There are no legislative considerations relating to this report. |
|
Risk |
The risk is deemed to be low and is considered to be within Council’s risk appetite. |
ATTACHMENTS
1. Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy
2. Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy
|
1 |
|
|
CORP 03 |
Review of Council Policies |
|
Attachment 1 |
Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy |
|
CORP 03 |
Review of Council Policies |
|
Attachment 2 |
Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff Policy |
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Committee Reports
|
CTTE 01 |
Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held 1 December 2020 |
|
Strategic Direction |
Generating Opportunity Create an attractive environment for investment |
|
File Ref |
342562.2020 |
|
Report By |
Susana Freitas - Tourism Development Officer |
|
Approved By |
David Smith - Acting Director City Economy and Growth |
Executive Summary
This report is tabled in order to present the Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee Meeting held on 1 December 2020.
That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee Meeting held on 1 December 2020.
REPORT
The Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held on 20 October 2020 are attached for the information of Council.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
Further develop a commercial centre that accommodates a variety of employment opportunities. Encourage and promote businesses to develop in the hospital health and medical precinct (of the City Centre). Facilitate economic development. Facilitate the development of new tourism based on local attractions, Culture and creative industries. |
|
Environment |
There are no environmental and sustainability considerations. |
Social |
Raise awareness in the community about the available services and facilities. Provide cultural centres and activities for the enjoyment of the arts. Preserve and maintain heritage, both landscape and cultural as urban development takes place. Deliver high quality services for children and their families. |
Civic Leadership |
Foster neighbourhood pride and a sense of responsibility. Deliver services that are customer focused. |
|
Legislative |
There are no legislative considerations relating to this report. |
|
Risk |
There is no risk associated with this report. |
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held on 1 December Meeting
|
1 |
|
|
CTTE 01 |
Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held 1 December 2020 |
|
Attachment 1 |
Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held on 1 December Meeting |
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Committee Reports
|
CTTE 02 |
Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting of 7 December 2020 |
|
Strategic Direction |
Generating Opportunity Attract businesses for economic growth and employment opportunities |
|
File Ref |
008685.2021 |
|
Report By |
Chris Guthrie - Coordinator Business Development |
|
Approved By |
David Smith - Acting Director City Economy and Growth |
Executive Summary
This report is tabled in order to present the minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting held on 7 December 2020.
That Council:
1. Receives and notes the minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee; and
2. Endorses the Committee’s recommendation to proceed with a communications campaign, pending further information from the Moorebank Intermodal Company representative at an estimated cost of $5,000.
REPORT
The minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee held on 7 December 2020 are attached for the information of Council.
The committee resolved to recommend that Council proceed with the proposed communications campaign, pending further information from the Moorebank Intermodal Company representative, which will have a financial impact.
This includes:
· Undertaking up to two press releases per year
· A targeted email campaign
· Social media communications
· Digital marketing
· Update of marketing collateral
An estimated cost in officer time and marketing material updates of approximately $5,000 is projected should Council decide to proceed with the proposed communications campaign. Funds are available from within the existing City Economy and Communications department operational budgets.
CONSIDERATIONS
|
Economic |
Facilitate economic development There will be internal resourcing implications in undertaking a Communications Campaign – this is estimated at $5,000. |
|
Environment |
There are no environmental and sustainability considerations. |
Social |
Raise awareness in the community about the available services and facilities. |
Civic Leadership |
Encourage the community to engage in Council initiatives and actions. Provide information about Council’s services, roles and decision making processes. Deliver services that are customer focused. |
|
Legislative |
There are no legislative considerations relating to this report. |
|
Risk |
The risk is deemed to be Low. The risk is within Council’s risk appetite. |
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting held on 7 December 2020
|
1 |
|
|
CTTE 02 |
Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting of 7 December 2020 |
|
Attachment 1 |
Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting held on 7 December 2020 |
|
CTTE 02 |
Minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee meeting of 7 December 2020 |
|
Attachment 2 |
Proposed Communications Campaign - Moorebank Intermodal |
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 01 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Fast Transit Corridor |
|
Strategic Direction |
Generating Opportunity Advocate for, and develop, transport networks to create an accessible city |
|
File Ref |
019442.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Council has invested a lot of time and money working on plans for a fast transit corridor from the CBD through to Fifteenth Avenue.
Please address the following:
1. What has the cost been to the ratepayer, including staff cost, promotional material, study tours (converting points if used to real dollars) etc?
2. What stage is this project at?
A response to these questions will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 02 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Section 7/11 Contributions |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019456.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Please address the following:
1. Can a reconciliation be provided individually on Section 7/11 Contributions that include the suburbs of Middleton Grange and Edmondson Park providing:
· Money collected to date;
· Money spent to date;
· Anticipated money yet to be collected;
· Properties remaining to be acquired;
· Estimated cost of those properties;
· Strategy to acquire those properties.
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 03 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Drainage Channels Rural/Growth Areas |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019507.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Please address the following:
1. How often are the drainage channels relating to the rural/growth areas mowed/cleaned out?
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 04 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Water Detention Basins in Growth Areas |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019510.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Please address the following:
1. What compliance measures are being undertaken to ensure that the water detention basins in growth areas are maintained?
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 05 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Developer Road Construction in Growth Areas |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019511.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Please address the following:
1. What is the process of ensuring that the developer road construction in growth areas are built to the correct standards?
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 06 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Kerb Gutter and Roads Fronting Council Owned Land in Growth Areas |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019513.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Kerb Gutter and Roads Fronting Council Owned Land in Growth Areas
Please address the following:
1. What program is in place to ensure that Council constructs the above once a development and half roads are built opposite Council owned land?
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Questions with Notice
|
QWN 07 |
Question with Notice - Clr Hadchiti - Council Meetings |
|
Strategic Direction |
Leading through Collaboration Strive for best practice in all Council processes |
|
File Ref |
019516.2021 |
QUESTION WITH NOTICE
Please address the following:
1. When are Council meetings scheduled to be held back in the chamber?
A response to this question will be provided in the 24 February 2021 Council meeting business papers.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Notices of Motion
|
NOM 01 |
Aerotropolis Acquisition Scheme |
|
Strategic Direction |
Generating Opportunity Meet the challenges of Liverpool’s growing population |
|
File Ref |
019306.2021 |
|
Author |
Nathan Hagarty - Councillor |
Background
The current system for compulsory land acquisition is unfair and inefficient. Adequate contributions to acquire land take years to be collected while landowners, ratepayers and new residents are disadvantaged:
· New residents have to wait many years for infrastructure to be built.
· Council and ratepayers are forced to pay more due to increasing land values and inflation.
· Landowners are stuck with a plot of land they can't sell or develop.
The flaws in this system are starkly apparent at the Aerotropolis. Despite
earmarking a large amount of the 11,200 hectare site for parks and open space,
at this stage, the State Government has only committed to acquiring land along
a small stretch of Thompsons Creek. With no other buyers, this has left
landowners in these areas with little option but to sit and wait, with no
concrete timeline or a plan for their land to be acquired.
Since the Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis were announced, landowners and residents have asked for certainly in the process and a reliable timeline. With commitment from all three levels of government, a better, fairer, more efficient process is possible. Residents in these areas are experiencing stress, illness and family breakdown. Those with hardship, should be given the chance to be able sell up and move on.
That Council:
1. notes:
o the current system for compulsory land acquisition is unfair and inefficient;
o existing land acquisition schemes such as the Moorebank Voluntary Acquisition Scheme; and
o exiting hardship provisions for land acquisition.
2. write to the State Government proposing an Aerotropolis Acquisition Scheme to allow for expedited land acquisition for landowners expiring hardship in the Aerotropolis.
3. upon approval:
o seek collaboration from the State and Federal Government to fund and administer the scheme; and
o assess the viability of applying a similar scheme to all land acquisitions in the Liverpool LGA.
1
Ordinary Meeting
3 February 2021
Notices of Motion
|
NOM 02 |
Community Gardens Policy and Strategy |
|
Strategic Direction |
Creating Connection Create a dynamic, inclusive environment, including programs to support healthy living |
|
File Ref |
019373.2021 |
|
Author |
Charishma Kaliyanda - Councillor |
Background
Community gardens can fulfil a variety of functions in addition to food production, including the enhancement of healthy lifestyles and good nutrition, reduction in social isolation, encouraging a sense of place, improving local food security and management of public spaces. The people of Liverpool, through the Liverpool Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) community consultation process, have identified the significance of community gardens and have expressed their support for the development of these as well as other local food systems.
Community gardens improve the social fabric within and among communities by increasing and deepening social connections. They also foster community engagement and improve participation as members are able to self-manage the gardens.
Community gardens and other local food system are increasingly being supported in Australian towns and cities in consonance with growing demand for local/regional food. The high community demand in local government associations across Australia for community gardens is in recognition of the wide range of benefits they provide. External factors such as concerns about the environment and climate change, food miles and ‘Grow Local’ movement are also giving impetus towards the provision of space for community garden and contribute to an increasing number of community gardens.
That Council:
1. Develop a Community Gardens Policy and Strategy document to:
· Provide a framework for residents who want to establish a community garden
· Encourage existing community gardens to be self-managed to a high standard
2. Explore the feasibility of incorporating footpath gardening into these documents; and
3. Investigate funding opportunities to develop community gardens in the Liverpool LGA.
![MCWB01114_0000[1]](CO_20210203_AGN_429_AT_files/image015.png){kind=small}
